Levofloxacin: an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections

Everything you need to know about taking a course of levofloxacin

02/07/2018

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What is levofloxacin used for?

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic medicine prescribed to treat various infections caused by bacteria. These include sinus infections (sinusitis), chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and skin infections.

How does levofloxacin work?

Levofloxacin is a type of medicine called a quinolone antibiotic. It works by interfering with a bacterial enzyme involved in replicating and repairing the genetic material (DNA) of bacteria. If this enzyme doesn't work, the bacteria cannot reproduce or repair themselves and this kills the bacteria and clears up the infection.

To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to levofloxacin, your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the throat or skin, or a urine or blood sample.

How do I take levofloxacin?

Levofloxacin comes as 250mg tablets and 500mg tablets. It's sometimes given via drip into a vein for more serious infections.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding how many tablets to take, how often and for how long. Levofloxacin tablets are usually taken once or twice a day.

Levofloxacin tablets should not be chewed or crushed, however if the tablets are scored they can be broken in half.

You can take them on a full or empty stomach, either with or without food.

Don't take antacids or medicines containing iron or zinc in the two hours before or after taking levofloxacin tablets.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Finish the prescribed course, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.

Can I drink alcohol with levofloxacin?

It's unlikely that drinking alcohol in moderation will cause problems while you're taking levofloxacin, though if you find the antibiotic gives you an upset stomach or headache or makes you feel dizzy it's best avoided. It's also sensible to avoid drinking alcohol while you're unwell.

What are the side effects of levofloxacin?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with levofloxacin. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people taking this antibiotic will experience that or any side effect.

Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of levofloxacin. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report it using the yellow card website?

Can I take other medicines with levofloxacin?

Before you take levofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're already taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines. Similarly, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while you're taking levofloxacin. Some key points are:

Don't take any of the following in the two hours before or after taking a dose of levofloxacin; these medicines can reduce the absorption of levofloxacin from the gut and make it less effective:

antacids (for indigestion) containing aluminium or magnesium

medicines containing iron or zinc, including multivitamins

lanthanum

sucralfate (this is best taken at least two hours AFTER the levofloxacin)

If you need a painkiller it's fine to take paracetamol or co-codamol with levofloxacin. However, don't take anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen unless these have been prescribed by your doctor.

Levofloxacin doesn't affect hormonal contraceptives such as the pill. However, if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea while taking this antibiotic, this can potentially make your pill less effective at preventing pregnancy. If this happens to you, follow the instructions for vomiting and diarrhoea described in the leaflet provided with your pills.

Anticoagulants

Levofloxacin may enhance the anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin, which may increase the risk of bleeding. If you're taking warfarin your doctor may want to check your blood clotting time (INR) after you start and finish treatment with levofloxacin.

Other medicines

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. Taking levofloxacin with these could potentially increase the risk of getting certain side effects, so your doctor may want to do some extra monitoring:

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